How to apply

This page outlines the process and stages for students applying for a place on Henley Business School's BA Accounting and Business degree programme only.

Step 1 - UCAS form

Complete the standard UCAS application form specifying BA Accounting and Business (NN41) at the University of Reading as one of your choices. Your academic background and potential will be assessed through your UCAS form, alongside competences including your:

• understanding of the skills that accountants need
• commercial awareness
• self management skills
• ability to work in a team
• communication skills

Please see further information on how to apply and information for teachers and advisors.

Candidates meeting Henley Business School's entry requirements will have their UCAS form assessed by an admissions panel. If you are successful at this stage you will be sent a supplementary application form and an invitation to an assessment day.

Step 2 - Supplementary application form

The supplementary application form (MS Word - 100 KB) should be only completed by applicants for Henley Business School's BA Accounting and Business degree programme. Applicants should only complete and return this form if they have been asked to do so following the initial application stage.

As well as predicted exam results and your UCAS application, we will be carefully examining this form for evidence of your potential professional skills and competencies. You will be required to:

• explain why have chosen to apply for the BA Accounting and Business degree programme
• explain how this degree programme fits in with your personal career aspirations
• Explain your understanding of how the three organisations involved work together (Henley Business School at the University of Reading, PwC and the ICEAW)
• describe your greatest achievement to date and the steps you took to achieve it
• describe the biggest challenge you have faced to date and the steps you took to overcame it

Step 3 - Assessment centre

Applicants who return their form will be allocated a place at one of our assessment centres. These are run jointly by Henley Business School and PwC at our Whiteknights campus in Reading. During the assessment centre day you will undertake:

1. psychometric testing designed to provide information on your abilities that cannot be as effectively measured through observation or by interview.
2. a group assessment exercise allowing us to observe how you perform working within a team. As a team you will be presented with some information and asked to work together to propose solutions to a range of issues.
3. a formal interview lasting up to 45 minutes, with a member of staff from Henley Business School or PwC. Interviews are 'competency based' meaning you will be asked questions relating to your own experiences. See PwC's 'Being the one with their foot in the door' guide (PDF-2 MB).

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Business School and facilities across campus. Staff and current students based at Henley Business School will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Necessary travel and accommodation expenses for the assessment centre will be reimbursed up to the value of £100, for the attendee only. You may bring a guest with you on the day but the guests will be required to make their own arrangements while you are being assessed. Guest expenses will not be reimbursed.

Offer of a place on a degree programme

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the BA Accounting and Business degree programme. Places are limited and competition is expected to be extremely strong. Applicants who are unsuccessful in applying to BA Accounting and Business but who meet the Henley Business School's entry requirements may instead be offered a place on the School's BA Accounting and Management degree programme.